Master of Public Health Curriculum

Required MPH Courses - Generalist Track

Course Title	Course #	Credit Hours
CORE
Evidence based Approaches to Population Health	SPPH 5301	3
Working in Systems to Improve Health	SPPH 5302	3
Working in Organizations to Improve Health	SPPH 5303	3
Program Planning and Evaluation	SPPH 5305	3
Required Courses
Responsible Conduct of Research and Communication in Public Health	SPPH 5316	3
The US Health Care System	SPPH 5337	3
Community Based Methods and Practice	SPPH 5334	3
Public Health Ethics and Law	SPPH 5350	3
Applied Work
Applied Practice Experience	SPPH 5319	3
Integrated Learning Experience	SPPH 5399	3
Electives - 18 Hourse of Public Health Courses NOT already required in Program		18
Total Program		Minimum of 45 hours

SPPH 5301: Evidence Based Approaches to Population Health

This course addresses the core principles of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students will learn to design epidemiological studies, and apply biostatistical methods for data analysis. The course emphasizes mastery of epidemiological measures of disease frequency and association, statistical inference techniques, multivariate analysis, and computational approaches to handling complex health datasets. Students will develop proficiency in interpreting epidemiological findings, and conducting statistical hypothesis testing. By the end, students will be equipped to manage health science data and conduct evidence-based interventions.

SPPH 5302: Working in Systems to Improve Health

This course equips students to understand health from a systems perspective. Students will examine the organization, structure, and functions of healthcare, public health, society, and regulatory systems across national and international contexts. This course addresses the policy making process and nonmedical drivers of health. Students will analyze current health issues to enhance their skills in evaluating and advocating for effective policies and programs that promote health in various populations.

SPPH 5303: Working in Organizations to Improve Health

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in and lead organizations effectively. Students will learn to apply skills related to organizational behavior, including decision-making, leadership, and negotiation. The course emphasizes effective communication strategies tailored to various audiences and promotes interprofessional teamwork. By combining theoretical frameworks with real-world case studies, students will gain practical experience in managing organizations.

SPPH 5305: Program Planning and Evaluation

This course focuses on the foundational principles of population health assessment and program planning. Students will learn to apply both qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate community health needs, identify assets, recognize service gaps, and design evidence-based policies, programs, and interventions. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of the importance of resource management in effective health programs. This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, design, and implement effective health programs.

SPPH 5337: The US Healthcare System

This course provides an overview of healthcare in the United States. The historical context as well as trends that could impact the healthcare system is presented. Several aspects of health care systems and services are explored.

SPPH 5316: Responsible Conduct of Research and Communication in Public Health

This three-credit hour course applies an active, participatory approach to help public health and health care professionals learn about the regulatory environment as well as the normative ethics of conducting public health research as well as how to better communicate more effectively in written and spoken communications.

SPPH 5334: Community Based Methods and Practice

This course deals with public health practice at the community, organizational, and political levels and Community Based Participatory Research methods. We want you to feel comfortable with all of these levels, and would like you to be able to work on health issues at all levels. In this class you will learn how to select qualitative methods and how to do them (focus groups, photo voice, key informant interviews, nominal group process). In this class you will develop a community-based project, intervention, or program.

SPPH 5350: Public Health Ethics and Law

This course is intended to introduce students to key concepts of law and ethics as applied to public health. It seeks to demonstrate, with both current and historical examples, constrains in public health decision-making and actions. This course will help students identify and appropriately assess legal and ethical issues that underlie the field of public health.

SPPH 5319: Applied Practice Experience

The Applied Practice Experience is an integral component of professional training in public health, enabling students to observe from professionals in the field. The Applied Practice Experience also allows students to apply theoretical learning toward achievement of practical goals and skills while under the supervision of a preceptor and an Applied Practice Experience advisor. Prerequisites: SPPH 5307, SPPH 5310, SPPH 5311, SPPH 5313, SPPH 5315 and SPPH 5334.

SPPH 5399: Integrated Learning Experience

The Integrated Learning Experience requires the student to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice. The student will choose between either a capstone course or a public health project. Prerequisites: SPPH 5307, SPPH 5310, SPPH 5311, SPPH 5313, SPPH 5315, and SPPH 5334.